I stared blogging on the CT Media Group in mid August, and since then, I continue to amaze myself with the comments, and amount of people that read and follow my blog. So, because of this I decided today I would do a top 10 blogs of 2009. Blogs I enjoyed writing, and blogs that you enjoyed reading!
I hope you continue to enjoy my blog in 2010 as I have lots of big plans for it!
#10 – The Balance Between Parenthood and Music – This blog featured local musician Rob Taylor, and how he balances his music, as well as being a father to two young sons. His music is a great blend of pop rock with a mix of light listening, and makes a great CD to keep in your car and sing along to. I certainly know I do!
#9 – Home birth in Connecticut – It seems as though with the increasing popularity of Home Birth across the country as the choices in maternity care start to get smaller and smaller, more mothers are turning to birthing in the comfort of their own home. I interviewed local Home Birth Midwife Nancy Farr about birthing at home, and how to know if it is the right choice for you. There are several midwives currently delivering babies at a larger number than we really think! Check out the interview to learn more about birthing at home in Connecticut!
#8 – Labor Induction : What You May Not Know! – With the large number of mothers having their labor induced, I thought it would be good to take the time to write about some of the risks that women aren’t being fully informed about when it comes to making this choice. During the next year of 2010, a joint commission is going to be putting into place stricter inductions practices for hospitals nationwide, starting with no inductions before 39 weeks gestation. Which is a great thing for mothers nationwide.
I will certainly post about these changes for the new year!
#7 – Does TV Cause the Fear of Childbirth? – An age old debate about the modern day media, whether it be reality tv or your days episode of General Hospital influencing our young women on what childbirth is or should be. In reality, these shows are giving our youth a distorted picture of what birth is and causing panic and fear about the experience which we see in so many young women today. Turn off the TV!
#6 – Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change – In Connecticut, currently 94% of women with a previous cesarean section consent to a repeat cesarean section instead of attempting a vaginal delivery. Is it because of misinformation? Fear? Lack of providers that will attend a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean? I take the risks of repeating major abdominal surgery, and weight it against the risks associated with the recently uncommon practice of VBAC. You would be alarmed at the risks that most women are taking, many unknowingly.
#5 – United States Scores a D on Premature Birth Report Card – With the increase in twins, and multiple pregnancies, early deliveries for elective reasons, such as inductions or scheduled cesarean births before estimated due dates, The United States is seeing increased premature births which are having an impact on our countries health care, the long term health of these children, and our infant mortality rate on an national level. I discuss all the factors in this blog.
#4 – Consumer Reports At It Again – Consumer reports takes on 12 surgeries you should skip, listing a cesarean section as one of them! I go into detail on elective repeat cesarean sections and the risk factors, along with statistics on local Connecticut Hospitals and their rates for repeat c-sections.
#3 – A Healthy Baby Isn’t All That Matters – Today many people think as long as mother and baby are alive and healthy, no other factors of the birth experience should matter, when in reality, more women than we care to discuss are being traumatized during childbirth, whether it is an over medicalized vaginal birth, or major abdominal surgery. I talk about child birth and trauma, and how the statement “A healthy baby is all that matters” is a hurtful comment to a large portion of women.
#2 – The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe Infant Mortality – A report from the CDC is detailed about how the United States is failing in terms of Infant Mortality when compared to European nations. We see a huge difference in our country, our maternity care system, and how we do things as apposed to what Europe does. The United States certainly could start cutting these mortality rates back if we stepped back and looked at the way things are being done in Europe and took some pointers.
#1 – A Very Close Loss – The loss of a good friend, amazing woman, and valuable resource to the birthing community in Connecticut. Karen Kilson lost her life in early October, but she will never be forgotten. She was a mentor to me, a second mother, and the doula for the birth of my second child. I cry often when I go through my cell phone to give her a call, or Look at the mini picture frame she left me with a poem inside. “Promise me you’ll always remember : You’re braver than you believe… Stronger than you seem… And smarter than you think” She will live in my heart, and the hearts of all the women in our birth community forever. Anyone who was privileged enough to know her and share her friendship, and truly a lucky person.
I hope you enjoy my top 10 as much as I do!
